I'm finding it harder and harder to understand why I should ever install software that hooks into my OS on multiple levels and opens holes to the outside world without any notification in the name of "security"
I it is not that we don't need it but it is finally obvious that there is no reliable way to detect harmful software. All we are left with is putting each and every application in sandbox, unable to interact with any other software or user data. It is just very hard to make that user friendly and acceptable for average Joe.
No, not like condoms. If STDs became blockable with common sense and condoms started shipping with perforations and prickles on the inside then yes, but that's not the case is it.
The DOJ statute of limitations preventing AV from being an OS component has run out, so now, properly, AV is again a background OS component and the third parties are more and more proven to be snake oil salesmen.